Day Swing to Bohol

Planning a day trip from Cebu to Bohol? This “Day Swing to Bohol” tour promises a full day of sightseeing packed into roughly 12 hours, with highlights including the iconic Chocolate Hills, adorable Tarsiers, a scenic Loboc River cruise, and visits to historic sites. While it offers a convenient way to experience these attractions, there are a few considerations to keep in mind.

We love that this tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, saving you from organizing transport, and the all-inclusive price covers transportation, entrance fees, and a buffet lunch — making it a stress-free experience. The guide’s commentary adds a layer of insight, especially for first-time visitors. However, some travelers have shared concerns about the guide’s knowledge and pacing, which might impact the overall experience.

This tour is best suited for travelers who want a rundown of Bohol’s top sights in a single day, especially if you’re short on time but still want a taste of the island’s highlights. It’s ideal for those who value convenience and guided commentary but may not be perfect for travelers seeking a more relaxed or customized itinerary.

Key Points

• All-Inclusive Experience: transportation, entrance fees, and buffet lunch included.
• Convenient Transfers: hotel pickup and drop-off in Cebu City, Mandaue, and Mactan.
• Full Day of Sightseeing: from Chocolate Hills to Tarsiers, with a river cruise.
• Group Size: limited to 5 travelers, ensuring a more intimate experience.
• Timing: early start at 4:30 am for pickup, with roughly 12 hours total.
• Potential Drawback: some reviews mention issues with guide knowledge and pacing.

A Closer Look at the Itinerary

Early Morning Pickup and Departure

The day kicks off very early, with hotel pickups at 4:30 am, covering Cebu City, Mandaue, and Mactan hotels. This early start is typical for day trips covering substantial distances, but it’s worth considering if you’re not a morning person. After pickup, the group departs at 6:00 am for the ferry to Bohol. Traveling by fastcraft means a relatively quick crossing, roughly two hours, which helps maximize your sightseeing time.

Arrival and First Stop: Chocolate Hills

By 8:30 am, you’ll arrive in Bohol and head straight to the Chocolate Hills. These unique geological formations, often described as natural “mounds,” are truly a sight to behold. The tour typically includes a visit where you can get a good view and take photos, although some travelers note that you might feel rushed here. It’s worth arriving early as crowds tend to grow later in the day.

Blood Compact Shrine and Baclayon Church

Next, around 10 am, the group visits the Blood Compact Shrine, a symbol of historic friendship between Spanish explorers and Filipinos. It’s a relatively quick stop but one that offers a glimpse into Bohol’s colonial past. Shortly after, at 10:30 am, there’s a visit to the Baclayon Church, one of the oldest churches in the Philippines, known for its preserved architecture and religious artifacts.

Loboc River Cruise and Lunch

At 11:30 am, anticipation builds for the Loboc River cruise, a highlight for many. The cruise features a buffet lunch with drinks included, allowing travelers to relax and enjoy scenic views while sampling Filipino cuisine. The lunch cruise typically lasts about 1.5 hours, providing a serene environment to unwind after a busy morning. Reviewers mention that the buffet is decent, and beverages are included, which adds comfort to the experience.

Butterfly Sanctuary and Tarsiers

Post-lunch, around 1 pm, the group visits the Butterfly Sanctuary—a peaceful spot where visitors can observe and learn about various butterfly species. Then, at 2 pm, the adventure continues with a visit to see the Tarsiers, one of the world’s smallest primates. While the experience of seeing these tiny creatures is adorable, some reviews reveal that the guide’s knowledge about the attractions was limited, occasionally leading to aimless drives or confusion.

Optional Stops and End of Tour

The itinerary includes the possibility of additional visits, but it’s not clear from the description whether these are guaranteed. The tour wraps up around 3:30-4 pm, with a transfer back to Cebu, arriving late in the evening. The return journey by fastcraft can be tiring but delivers you back to your Cebu hotel, ready to relax after a packed day.

What You Get and What You Might Miss

Transportation and Convenience: The private vehicle transfers, coupled with hotel pickup, are major advantages, especially for travelers unfamiliar with local transport. It simplifies logistics, allowing you to focus on enjoying the sights.

Guided Commentary: Having a guide can be invaluable for context, but some reviews express disappointment in guide knowledge and engagement. If you’re a history or culture buff, this might be a drawback.

All-Inclusive Pricing: The fee of $207 per person covers most essentials, including entrance fees and meals, making it easier to budget without surprises. However, alcoholic drinks or souvenirs are not included, so you might want to bring extra cash if these are important to you.

Pacing and Crowd Control: With a schedule packed into one day, expect a fairly brisk pace. If you prefer leisurely exploration, this might feel rushed, especially at popular sites like the Chocolate Hills or the Tarsier sanctuary.

Authentic Experiences and Practical Tips

From reviews, it’s clear that organized tours like this are great for first-timers who want a structured, hassle-free way to see Bohol’s highlights. The scenic river cruise offers a relaxing break from sightseeing, and the viewpoints at Chocolate Hills are truly photogenic.

The guide’s commentary is a mixed bag—some travelers appreciated the information shared, while others found it lacking. If you’re keen on historical or ecological details, consider bringing a guidebook or app for extra context.

Transportation and Duration

The early start means you’ll need to wake up around 4 am for pickup, but this gets you to Bohol by mid-morning, maximizing sightseeing time. The round-trip by ferry is quick, but the overall day is quite full, so pack comfortable shoes and be ready for a busy schedule.

Cost-Value Analysis

At $207, this tour is on the pricier side for a day trip. When factoring in transportation, entrance fees, and lunch, it offers convenience but might not be the best value for those wanting a more flexible or personalized experience. Still, for travelers who prefer everything organized and included, it delivers good coverage of Bohol’s top sights.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This tour suits travelers who want a comprehensive yet straightforward way to experience Bohol in a single day. If you’re short on time but crave a guided overview of the island’s most famous spots, this fits the bill. It’s also great for those who prefer all-inclusive arrangements—no need to worry about additional costs or logistics.

However, if you’re someone who prefers slow-paced exploration or enjoys in-depth local guides, this might feel a bit rushed or impersonal. It’s also a good option for families or groups who want a stress-free, transportation-included experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

How early do I need to wake up for this tour? The tour starts with hotel pickup at 4:30 am, so you’ll need to be ready early.

Does the tour include all entrance fees? Yes, entrance fees for attractions like the Chocolate Hills, Tarsier Sanctuary, and Butterfly Sanctuary are included.

Is lunch included? Yes, a buffet lunch and beverages are part of the package, served during the Loboc River cruise.

What is the group size? The tour is limited to 5 travelers, offering a more intimate experience than larger groups.

Can I cancel if my plans change? Yes, cancellation is free if you cancel at least 24 hours in advance, with a full refund.

Are children allowed? Yes, children must be accompanied by an adult, and most travelers can participate, but check if your kids are comfortable with early mornings and full-day excursions.

Final Thoughts

The “Day Swing to Bohol” tour offers a solid option for travelers wanting to tick off Bohol’s signature sights with minimal hassle. Its inclusion of transportation, entrance fees, and lunch makes it a convenient choice, especially for first-time visitors or those on a tight schedule. While some aspects, like guide knowledge and pacing, could be improved, the overall experience provides a decent overview of the island’s highlights.

For travelers who value organized, all-in-one packages and are comfortable with a somewhat brisk itinerary, this tour delivers good value. Just keep in mind that it’s a busy day, and if you prefer more relaxed exploration, you might want to consider other options or customize your own trip.

If you’re looking for a straightforward, guided adventure that covers the essentials of Bohol in a single day, this tour can serve as a fantastic starting point—set your expectations accordingly, and you’ll have a memorable experience.